Basketball Instruction/rebound rule?

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Expert: - 1/22/2009


Question
QUESTION: someone told me that there was rule change for a player getting his own rebound ,if it does not hit rim or backboard. he said as long as it was a shot attempt(air ball)the shooter could touch legally.  True or false?

ANSWER: Hi Brett,

This is not a recent rule change. The rule states that if a player makes a legitimate shot attempt and does not hit the rim or backboard (air Ball) he or she may rebound their own ball. That has been a rule for quite some time.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: does it have to hit the ground before the shooter can touch an air ball,because everyone is still telling me i am wrong on this fact. they are saying that if a shooter is right under the goal and he shoots and misses the whole goal and backboard. he can not touch the ball. is this true or false. you ought to see the reactions i get when i try to enforce this rule .

Answer
Once again, whomever is telling you your wrong is wrong themselves. If they shoot the ball, and it's a legitimate shot attempt, even if they are right under the basket, they may catch their own ball even if it doesn't touch the ground. It is legal, and traveling should NOT be called.

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Bret Temple

Expertise

My expertise is in the art of Officiating Basketball and I can answer questions pertaining to basketball rules; youth level through CIF High School, NCAA college and NBA rules as well. I can either help define a specific rule for you, or interpret a specific rule to clarify how other officials and I view and call the game.

Experience

I have been a Basketball Official now for over 19 years, officiating at all levels. I have attended numerous training camps throughout the years in an attempt to constantly become a better official. I have been evaluated by top Officiating organizations and I've had the honor of being selected to officiate at the highest levels including former Division 1 College and NBA players.

Organizations
NASO (National Association of Sports Officials) CBOA (California Basketball Officials Association)

Education/Credentials
El Sorrino Officials Association Accreditation CIF Certified(California Interscholastic Federation) WCPBL(West Coast Professional Baskeball League) The NBA Developmental League training

Past/Present Clients
Los Angeles City Parks and Recreation, Calabasas Basketball League, Calabasas Semi-Pro Men's League, AYBA California Interscholatic Federation, ARC League , (WCPBL)West Coast Professional Basketball League, Gary Grant Youth Basketball Program

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